This report is about you — your generosity, your belief in our mission and the lives you’ve touched. Every success you’ll read about on these pages started with your decision to give. Because of you, 185 students graduated this year, prepared to bring healing, health and hope to communities everywhere. You gave them the tools, opportunities and confidence to succeed.
Your support doesn’t just fund programs — it empowers students to lead, serve and dream big. Because of your gifts, the WVSOM Foundation was able to supplement student fundraising efforts, helping students stretch their dollars further and accomplish more than they ever could alone. Here’s what your generosity made possible:
• You made student organizations stronger. With your support, students were able to host speakers, wellness events and meaningful service projects.
• You fueled compassion. Your gifts allowed us to support the Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons in hosting a free veterans dinner, bringing care and dignity to those who served.
• You created opportunity. The Class of 2027 established the Hamza Syed Recognition Award and presented an award in honor of their classmate.
• You fed students in need. $1,200 went directly to the student food pantry, easing the burden for students facing food insecurity.
• You opened doors for global service. By matching student fundraising, the WVSOM Foundation helped DOCARE International send students on an international service trip, impacting lives far beyond our campus.
• You gave students a voice. Your generosity enabled Student Osteopathic Medical Association members to represent WVSOM at D.O. Day on the Hill.
• You inspired advocacy. Together we helped the Student Advocate Association launch a fund to help third- and fourth-year students on rotations — because you believe in their future.
These stories show how your partnership with our students multiplies impact — turning individual efforts into collective achievements.
The ripple effect didn’t stop there. With the WVSOM Foundation’s match, the Class of 2027 completed community projects that brought hope to local families, supported children in sports and spread joy during the holidays. That’s just one example of a student group who accomplished community outreach!
Your impact extends to major milestones, too: meeting the Maier Foundation Challenge for scholarships, welcoming more President’s Circle members than ever before and creating new scholarship endowments. Together, donors like you raised more than $1.6 million — including $550,000 in planned gifts — to sustain WVSOM’s mission for years to come.
You are shaping the future of osteopathic medicine. You are lifting up students who will one day lift up entire communities. And you are proving that one act of generosity can create waves of good.
Thank you for making this possible, and for being the heart of everything we do. We can’t wait to show you what your impact looks like in the stories ahead.
With gratitude,
Donette Mizia Executive Director of Foundation Relations
The WVSOM Foundation advances a culture of philanthropic giving to support WVSOM, its students, faculty, staff and alumni caring for medically underserved communities in West Virginia and beyond.
In partnership with WVSOM and the WVSOM Alumni Association, our shared vision is to advance the principles of osteopathic medicine and better health outcomes by financially supporting the WVSOM community.
We believe and are dedicated to
• Stewardship and responsible fiscal management
• Ethical business and fundraising practices
• Osteopathic principles for healthier communities
• A culture of giving back
THE STORY OF THE
Since the founding of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) Foundation in 1975, we have been committed to supporting the mission of WVSOM by providing financial assistance to qualified students by awarding scholarships, securing funding to drive the success of programs that introduce students to osteopathic medicine at a young age, and investing in new technology and resources to provide the most advanced medical education possible.
More than 50 years later, our commitment has not changed. The WVSOM Foundation continues to support WVSOM’s mission. Our success has continued thanks to our supporters and the leadership, vision and mission set forth by our founders.
WVSOM, the WVSOM Foundation and the WVSOM Alumni Association work collaboratively to support students and advance osteopathic medical principles and better health outcomes by financially supporting the WVSOM community.
MEET OUR BOARD
OFFICERS
Bradley Harris (2021-25) President Charleston, WV
Dewayne Duncan (2022-26) Immediate Past President Charleston, WV
Kim Tieman (2024-28) Vice President South Charleston, WV
Monte Ward (2021-25) Treasurer Ashland, KY
William Thompson, D.O. (2023-27) Secretary Wheatland, IN
Robert Bennett (2024-28) Roanoke, VA
Al Emch (2024-28) Lewisburg, WV
Patricia Hamilton (2025-29) Charleston, WV
Heidi Henson, D.O. (2024-28) Shreveport, LA
Sherri Young, D.O. (2024-28) Charleston, WV
EX OFFICIO
Voting Manuel Ballas, D.O. WVSOM Alumni Association President Weirton, WV
Non-voting James Nemitz, Ph.D. WVSOM President Lewisburg, WV
Justin McAllister WVSOM Vice President for Finance and Facilities/CFO Lewisburg, WV
Donette Mizia WVSOM Executive Director of Foundation Relations Lewisburg, WV
SUCCESS STORIES
Samuel Deem, D.O.
WVSOM Class of 2004
J.P. Tierney, D.O., Legacy Scholarship
“J.P. Tierney, D.O., founded the urology residency program at Charleston Area Medical Center and taught many urologists in the state how to take care of West Virginians. His commitment to urology care needs to be celebrated, and this scholarship will do that for years to come while helping future osteopathic physicians achieve their goals.”
Meghana Odapally
WVSOM Class of 2027
D.O. Day on the Hill
“As vice president of the WVSOM chapter of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, I had the honor of representing our school and community during D.O. Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C., alongside my fellow board members and peers. I found myself engaging with senators and representatives in discussions that would influence the future of West Virginia’s teaching hospitals and broader health care policies. I am grateful to the WVSOM Foundation for providing this opportunity which has rekindled my passion for advocacy and reinforced my dedication to serving our communities.”
SUCCESS STORIES
Gary Sajko, D.O.
WVSOM Class of 1981
Class of 1981 Scholarship
“A significant number of members of the Class of 1981 were first-time professional students in our families. Many of us had parents who, like my dad, were coal miners. I’m hopeful that this generous gift will allow us to grow more funds to help students make their dreams of becoming physicians come true.”
Ryan Runyon, D.O.
WVSOM Class of 2002
Jerry A. Warren and Retha St. Clair Warren Scholarship
“It’s touching, and it’s hard to wrap your head around, but it says a lot about who they are and about their commitment to education. The husband told me he was impressed with the quality of students WVSOM was producing and with the fact that its students were in my office. Their wish is to help students from southern West Virginia or surrounding areas who want to come back to the region after they finish residency training. They want to do something that will help the community and make a difference for the future of West Virginia.”
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS
The WVSOM Foundation added four scholarships to its expanding portfolio. In the past 50 years, donors and sponsors have provided meaningful gifts that have created opportunities for WVSOM students to pursue medicine.
CLASS OF 1981 SCHOLARSHIP
JOHN MANCHIN II, D.O., AND JOHN MANCHIN IV, D.O., SCHOLARSHIP
JERRY A. WARREN AND RETHA ST. CLAIR WARREN SCHOLARSHIP
J.P. TIERNEY, D.O., LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
As you reflect on the impact WVSOM has on shaping health care and communities, consider the difference you can make for those just beginning their medical school journey. Your gift can provide scholarships, advanced technology, student emergency support or life-changing opportunities like medical service trips and unique rotations in wilderness medicine.
When you give to the WVSOM Foundation, you ensure future osteopathic physicians have the resources to become the best, brightest and most compassionate providers. Together, we can shape the future of health care. Make your gift today.
FOUNDATION-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
DOCARE/CMDA Medical Service Trips
DOCARE International and the Christian Medical and Dental Associations give back through community service.
$15,000 in matching dollars
Clinical Anatomy Summer Experience (C.A.S.E.)
The C.A.S.E. camp is a weeklong camp hosted on campus that invites high school students to take a deep dive into gross anatomy, providing an opportunity to learn about the human body.
$13,075 in assistance
Rural and International Medicine (RIM) Center
This program supports WVSOM’s mission by providing opportunities for students to serve underserved populations globally.
$3,430 raised
D.O. Day on the Hill
This is a unique opportunity for osteopathic medical students to educate members of the U.S. Congress about the pivotal role osteopathic medicine plays in the health care system.
$2,000 in assistance
IMPACT STATISTICS
This year, the WVSOM Foundation’s growth initiatives continued developing ways to reach and engage loyal and new donors.
$296,050 GIVEN IN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
$22,500
$30,000
$19,060
$28,731
$24,419
AMOUNT OF NEW GIFTS
DONORS WHO UPGRADED
*Organizations total is lower this fiscal year due to not hosting a fundraising event.
UPGRADE REVENUE
*Organizations total is lower this fiscal year due to not hosting a fundraising event.
3 10
PROGRAMS
Student Emergency Fund - in the 2025 fiscal year, three students received money through the fund.
WVSOM Short-Term Loan Program - 10 students received money in short-term loans.
1. The Dr. Byron E. Laycock Short-Term Loan
2. The Dr. Frank Wallington Memorial Fund
3. The Frank J. Hennessey Short-Term Loan
GRANT FUNDING FISCAL AGENT
The WVSOM Foundation continues to serve as the fiscal agent for an additional $22,375 in grant awards for related entities.
$10,000
JAMES F.B. PEYTON FUND
A grant to the Rosewood Cemetery, the interment facility for WVSOM’s Human Gift Registry.
$7,500 $4,875
JEANNE G. HAMILTON AND LAWSON W. HAMILTON JR. FAMILY FOUNDATION
A grant to the WVSOM Clinical Anatomy Summer Experience one-week gross anatomy summer camp.
FIRSTENERGY FOUNDATION
A grant to the WVSOM Clinical Anatomy Summer Experience one-week gross anatomy summer camp.
$648,159 UNRESTRICTED
DONATIONS BY CATEGORY
$1,028,937 RESTRICTED
GRANT FUNDING RECEIVED
$400,000
The Maier Foundation added $400,000 to the Dr. Olen E. Jones Jr. Scholarship at the West Virginia Emulation Endowment Trust after the Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024 match challenge was completed.
$100,000 $10,000 $10,000
The Maier Foundation challenged the WVSOM Foundation to raise $100,000 in scholarship funds in each of the next four years. For the first challenge year (Dec. 14, 2024-Oct. 20, 2025), the challenge was met in January 2025. Scholarship funds received in the next three years (from October to October) will help meet the full challenge.
A grant was awarded from the James F.B. Peyton Fund at the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation to enhance the scholarship in Peyton’s name.
West Virginia Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) credits received.
2025 ANNUAL FUND PARTNERS
In 2025, the WVSOM Foundation, in partnership with the WVSOM Alumni Association, launched a new Annual Partner program. This program helps support many WVSOM student projects, school programs, the Student Emergency Fund and leadership opportunities. This program runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
GOLD LEVEL PARTNER
BRONZE LEVEL PARTNERS
LIFETIME GIVING LEADERS NETWORK OF SUPPORT
Distinguished benefactors whose cumulative philanthropic contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing our mission and sustaining long-term organizational impact.
President’s Council Donors
$100,000+
Drs. Michael and Cheryl Adelman
Drs. David and Bonita Barger
Charles Davis, D.O./Davis Eye Center Inc.
Abdollatif Ghiathi, D.O.
James Harless
Ray Harron, M.D./Harron Foundation
John Manchin II, D.O./Manchin Clinic
Angus Peyton/Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Michael C. Pyles, D.O., Estate
Roland Sharp, D.O.
Hildegard P. Swick Estate
Marlene Wager, D.O.
Lydia Weisser, D.O.
Gary White
Kendall Wilson Jr., D.O., Estate Businesses
Encova Foundation of West Virginia
WVSOM Alumni Association
The Greenbrier Hotel Corp.
Hollowell Foundation Inc.
Maier Foundation Inc.
Seneca Trail Charitable Foundation Inc.
Founder’s Club Donors
$50,000-$99,999
Christopher Beckett, D.O.
Sean Brain and Jandy Hanna, Ph.D.
Joseph Cincinnati, D.O.
James Deering, D.O., and Jodi Flanders, D.O.
Troy Foster, D.O.
Drs. Robert and Rachel Hunter
William McLaughlin, D.O.
Jim and Nancy Nemitz
Michael Nicholas, D.O.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Obrokta Jr./Olivia Claire Obrokta Foundation
Patrick Pagur, D.O., and Billie Wright, D.O.
Mr. and Mrs. David and Martha Rader
Carole Stookey
Drs. Andrew and Tiffany Thymius
Mrs. John Tirpak
Harold Ward, D.O.
Dr. and Mrs. Badshah Wazir/ Spring Hill Cardiology Businesses
Humana
National Osteopathic Foundation
West Virginia Emulation Endowment Trust
West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association
Patron Donors
$25,000-$49,999
Michael Antolini, D.O.
Manuel Ballas, D.O.
Catherine Bishop, D.O.
Craig Boisvert, D.O.
Jeffery Braham, D.O.
Drs. Edward and Kristie Bridges
Clyde Brooks III, D.O.
Cathy Dailey, D.O.
Steven Eshenaur, D.O., and
Lori Eshenaur/Haven Ltd.
Ahmed Faheem, M.D.
Allen Finkelstein, D.O.
Robert Flowers, D.O.
J. Robert Holmes, DDS
Dr. Gregory and Penny Jarrell
Dorothy Montgomery
Samuel Muscari Jr., D.O.
Deena Obrokta, D.O.
Lorenzo Pence, D.O.
Dr. and Mrs. Art Rubin and the Carmel-Greenfield
Charitable Trust
Rosa Stone, D.O.
Peter Stracci, D.O.
Phillip Triplett Jr., D.O.
Lori Tucker, D.O.
Drs. Rafael and Letetia Villalobos
Lewis Whaley, D.O.
Businesses
CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center
CAMC Health Education and Research Institute
City National Bank
Jeanne G. Hamilton and Lawson W. Hamilton Jr.
Family Foundation Inc.
Highmark Inc.
Highmark West Virginia
Little General Stores
OVP Foundation for Healthier Communities
OVP Health Inc.
Robert C. Byrd Clinic Inc.
Smith Kline & French Laboratories
Truist Corporation
West Virginia State Medical Association Alliance
GIFTS TO WVSOM
July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
The WVSOM Foundation would like to recognize our generous donors for their support this past fiscal year.
Dean’s Circle
Donors
$10,000-$24,999
Robert Boles
John Hibler, D.O., Estate
Business
Vandalia Health
Benefactor Donors
$5,000-$9,999
Matthew and Kelli Allaway
Bruce Chase, M.D.
Elizabeth Clark, D.O.
H. Lawrence and Janice Clark
Paul Conley, D.O.
Cordell Davis, D.O.
Samuel Deem, D.O.
Stephen Deitz
Nathan Hale, D.O.
Karen MontgomeryReagan, D.O.
L. Faith Payne, D.O.
Stephen Phillips II, D.O.
John Talbott, D.O.
James Tierney, D.O.
Mark Waddell, D.O.
Businesses
Edward Tucker Architects Inc.
Hasenstab Architects PracticeLink
The Thrasher Group
WVU Princeton Community Hospital
ZMM
Sponsor Donors
$2,500-$4,999
Randall Belt, D.O.
Linda Boyd, D.O.
Gail Dudley, D.O.
Kathy Goodman, D.O.
Ryan Waddell, D.O.
Businesses
Advocates of the American Osteopathic Association
FirstEnergy Foundation
Associate Donors
$1,000-$2,499
Richard Carey, D.O.
Charles Cornell
David Crandall, D.O.
Raymond Crosby, D.O.
Joseph Donzella, D.O., and Amy VasilakisDonzella, D.O.
Gary Ewing
Darla Gallentine, D.O.
John Garlitz, D.O.
Donald Gullickson II, D.O.
Marla Haller, D.O.
Drema Hill, Ph.D.
Brant Hinchman, D.O.
Johnny Howell, D.O.
Ben and Renda James
Anthony Johnson, D.O.
Kimberly Jones
Albert and Susan Ketchem
Afeworki Kidane, D.O.
Forrest Lane Jr., D.O.
Thomas Mance, D.O.
Josalyn Mann, D.O.
Andrew McLaughlin, D.O.
Pete Palko III, D.O.
James Paugh II, D.O.
Rebecca Perry, D.O.
Mary Pozega, D.O.
Ryan Runyon, D.O.
Eric Schneider, D.O.
Linda Smith
Ronald Smith, D.O.
Drs. Russell and Sally Stewart
Kimberly Tieman
Monte Ward
Naomi Wriston, D.O.
Samuel Whit Yates, Ph.D.
Businesses
American College of Osteopathic Internists
Family Medicine Foundation of West Virginia
Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation
Renaissance Charitable Foundation
West Virginia Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
